The Codiac Regional RCMP has recovered a piece of construction equipment just hours after it was reported as stolen, with the help of the public.
On December 26, 2023, at approximately 7:50 a.m., members of the Codiac Regional RCMP received a report that a Caterpillar Loader, worth approximately $300,000, had been stolen from a business on Babin Street, in Dieppe. An older white GMC pickup truck arrived at the business and two individuals exited the truck. They then got into the loader and fled the scene, damaging a fence on the property in the process.
A short time later, following information from the public, police located the loader on Turtle Creek Road, near Riverview. Police attempted to stop the loader, but it fled onto a dirt trail. Members from the Codiac Regional RCMP, Caledonia Region RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services and RCMP Air Services attended the scene and contained the area. The loader was located a short time later, and the occupants had fled the scene.
The same day, police also located the white GMC pickup truck that had been involved in the theft. The driver attempted to flee on foot, but was arrested by police without incident. He was later released from custody, and is scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on April 17, 2024.
Police are asking anyone that may have information regarding the theft, or the identity of the two individuals who had stolen the loader, to please contact the Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
The investigation is ongoing.